Jesse Hamlin, staff writer for the San Francisco Chronicle has a wonderful piece in today’s paper “Paul Desmond’s sound was like a dry martini, and his melodies flowed like sweet wine.” The article also praises the biography, “Take Five: The Public and Private Lives of Paul Desmond,” written by Doug Ramsey, aka Mr. Rifftides. I’m looking forward to seeing Doug in person at the Monterey Jazz Festival where he’ll be signing copies of the book week from today.
Just received in the mail the October issue of Jazz Times, in which appears my husband’s Letter to the Editor regarding the August issue articles about Wes Montgomery. You can also read it on John’s web site — click here.
A number of friends have asked me if I know of any organizations that are a) specifically helping New Orleans musicians, and b) that do not take a huge adminsitrative cut off the top of monies raised. Preservation Hall has established a fund
“to provide musicians with financial support during this tragic time. 100% of money raised through this fund will go directly to New orleans musicians.”
Jazz impressario George Wein knows the people running this fund, so I believe it’s legit. Info online can be found here and/or you can donate by calling 1-888-229-7911 and providing your credit card info over the phone.